Reviews & Reports
I'd be grateful for any contributions by way of reviews (shown on the left here). Please email reviews if any relevant courses, books, DVDs etc so that everyone can benefit from your experiences. The more recently written reviews will appear toward the top of the list.

DVD - Principles of Aikido
(Mitsugi Saotome)
This is a great DVD for beginnners and experts alike. It shows many of the core techniques. Everything is explained very clearly, and names of techniques are shown as well as pronounced.

For more experienced Aikidoka, this is worth having just to see Saotomi Sensei's Aikido, which can only be described as breathtaking. Watching him move is pixel-perfect stuff.

Book - Aikido & The Dynamic Sphere
As far as I know, this is the most comprehensive book on the market.

It is based on Ki Aikido which, being at one extreme of the aikido spectrum, won't appeal to all styles. However, Aside from giving a throrough explanation of the application of Ki, the whole book is actually very mainstream in its presentation.

It has wonderful, clear illustrations throughout which have almost cult status. If you've seen an illustration or diagram of Aikido, it was probably pinched (legally or otherwise) from this book.

A fascinating read, and an almost essential reference work.

DVD - Oyo Henka Waza
(Mitsugi Saotome)
This DVD concentrates on dealing with resistance to technique. In Aikido, it's easy to get used to the (normally useful) cooperation of your partner, so that it is easy to get stumped when ssomeone suddenly starts resisting technique.

This DVD teaces how to deal with this through Aiki principle such as blending etc., without resorting to force.

Book - Aikido for Life
(Gyakku Homma)
This is one of my all time favourite books about Aikido.

It doesn't go into a huge amount of detail about anything in particular, but the Author appears to have such a enthusiastic and positive approach to Aikido (and apparently to life) that the book practically oozes it. I can't help but get carried along with it, and getting humbled by it.

I'd particularly recommend it to instructors or senior students who think that they can't learn much else from a book. If anything can stop you disappearing up your own arse after getting your black belt, this is probably it.

Notices and Courses
This area will be used for any and all club news. It'll include upcoming course information, details of upcoming and recent gradings. Also any general club news (Like price changes, social events, etc).

Last Updated 16/12/11

AIKIDO BEGINNERS COURSE:
Six week course commencing Sundays 22 Jan.
7pm - 8.30pm

A course of six consecutive sessions, aimed specifically at those new to this dynamic Japanese Martial Art

This course will cover the fundamentals of:
- Ukemi (safe falling) - Basic Striking & Grabbing
- Posture Breaking - Unarmed Techniques - Sword & Staff

Stowmarket Aikido Club have signed up to the Sportivate programme in collaboration with the 2011 Olympics, with a view to running this 6 week introductory course in January.

Sportivate is a Lottery programme that gives access to six-week courses in a range of sports. The programme is aimed at those who are not currently choosing to take part in sport in their own time, or are doing so for a very limited amount of time, and will support them to continue playing sport in their community after the six weeks is up. During the six weeks a participant may work towards an event or personal challenge.

Registration required due to limited spaces.
Total cost £25 for all six sessions (To cover venue & insurance costs etc.)
For more information, or to register please email here

Midori Kajihara Sensei
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November 2011,

Registration:
09:30 to 10:15
Course:
10:30 to 15:30 with a break for lunch

Location:
Quarrendon and Meadowcroft Community Centre,
Bowlers Field,
Meadowcroft Road,
Meadowcroft,
Aylesbury,
HP19 9HH

Fees:
Kai Shin Kai Students:
One Day: £10:00
Both Days: £17:00

Outside Organisations:
One Day: £12:00
Both Days: £20:00

Membership books with current BAB registration.
Contact : Bill Harris Sensei 01296 487953

Address for persons wishing to pre-register
41 Meredith Drive
Aylesbury
HP19 8NH